The Democratic Women of Richmond County are finalizing the details of their upcoming trip to see President Barack Obama speak — the crowning day of the upcoming Democratic National Convention — and they’ve chartered a bus so that others may join them.
The president will be speaking at the Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte on Sept. 6. This speech will mark the end of the four-day long convention, as he accepts his party’s nomination to run for a second term in office.
“The trip is open to anyone who wants to go,” said Pam Dillman, president of the group. “There’s limited seating on the bus, so we’re recommending that those who are interested go ahead and reserve a spot.”
There are about 35 available seats left on the 55-seat bus.
Anyone interested in going needs to do the following:
• Go to this website my.barackobama.com/page/s/community-credentials. (This page can also be found through demconvention.com).
• Enter information, and wait for a representative to call or email you back. This will provide you with free credentials to attend the event.
• Once credentials are confirmed, contact Dillman at 910-895-2774 or Priscilla Sanders at 910-205-1001 or 910-995-3418 and arrange to make bus reservation payment.
• Pay Dillman or Sanders with a $35 money order made out to the Democratic Women of Richmond County Committee.
• Arrive at the departure location no later than 1 p.m. on Sept. 6. The bus will be departing from the Ollie’s parking lot in Rockingham. There will be a rally in the parking lot before 1 p.m.
• Credentials and photo ID will be needed to board the bus, and will be needed to enter the convention.
“You absolutely won’t be able to go without both of those things,” said Sanders. “It’s a security policy.”
People traveling on the bus should plan to bring a lunch, because convention planners recommend early afternoon arrival in Charlotte. Concessions will also be open at the stadium.
Once in Charlotte, the bus will park and everyone will ride a free shuttle to the stadium. For individuals interested in driving themselves, parking information has not yet been released.
Dillman and Sanders are excited to see the president speak, and it’s the first time either of them has attended a political event of this magnitude.
“I’m a new member of this group, but I was actively involved in state and local political campaigns in Maryland,” said Sanders.
The time of the president’s speech has not yet been released, but convention planners confirmed that it would be “during Prime Time.”
“My vote is very precious to me, and I want to know all about my candidate,” said Dillman. “I encourage others to be active participants in the democratic process.”
The Democratic Women of Richmond County are also holding an open meeting on Aug. 27, and inviting young people and politicians to attend.
“We’re getting ready to start up a Democratic Teens group for young women and men, and that’s what our guest speaker will be focusing on,” said Dillman.
— Staff Writer Kelli Easterling can be reached at 910•997•3111, ext. 18, or by email at keasterling@heartlandpublications.com.




















